A Case of Pituitary Apoplexy Approving with Oculomotor Palsy and Dizziness

Abstract

Pituitary apoplexy is the sudden loss of the pituitary gland’s blood supply, leading to tissue necrosis and hemorrhage. Its clinical symptoms are characterized by sudden onset of headache, nausea, vomiting, ophthalmic symptoms, and hormonal dysfunction. A 75-year-old woman presented with headache and oculomotor palsy. Pituitary swelling with T1 high intensity on brain magnetic resonance imaging suggested pituitary apoplexy. Considering a significant decrease in pituitary anterior lobe hormone as well as central diabetes insipidus, high-dose hydrocortisone was administered. The patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Postoperatively, oculomotor nerve palsy improved. Early diagnosis and treatment, including surgical decompression, are crucial in patients with oculomotor nerve palsy in pituitary apoplexy.